While ship traffic may seem slow some days on the lower river near the Columbia’s mouth, there’s plenty happening upriver near busy ports, and inland as far as Idaho. We’ll talk about upriver traffic on this busy marine highway, which includes the Snake River and Lewiston, Idaho.
Podcast: Play in new window
A listener sent me an interesting question this week: asking why pilot transfers happen while ships are moving, because the process seems unsafe.
Today I’ll talk about why this practice remains the best and safest way to handle that pilot boat maneuver here (and in many places around the world). And yes, it is inherently risky, even with all efforts to make maritime piloting as safe as possible.
Podcast: Play in new window
The National Weather Service warns us this week to expect wildfire smoke on the coast, thanks to a change in wind direction. We’ll talk about current air quality readings around the region, and what to expect.
Image: A smoky haze hung over Astoria on Monday, as inland wildfire smoke makes its way to the coast. Photo by Joanne Rideout
Podcast: Play in new window
The Buoy 10 fishing season is in full swing here on the lower Columbia, and I thought I would share my happy observations on our local docks yesterday afternoon. Also a few things to think about if you are going out here in a small boat to fish on the Columbia.
Podcast: Play in new window
On Saturday, August 1, we’ll see a big influx of small fishing boats on the Columbia River off Astoria, Warrenton and Hammond. The beginning of August marks the start of an annual ritual, when the Buoy 10 fishery opens. The fishery area extends from Buoy 10 at the mouth of the river to Tongue Point on the east end of Astoria. Hundreds of boats will gather as anglers do their best to catch salmon.
This busy time on the lower river means lots of potential interactions between ships and small boats. Today we’ll hear from Columbia River Bar Pilot Captain Dan Jordan, about the risks this situation can pose when it comes to big ships vs. other craft in a narrow ship channel.
Podcast: Play in new window
We haven’t looked at ship schedules lately, so let’s see who’s coming and going on the river today.
Podcast: Play in new window
and
